We will be sending out a limited number of Prince Premier Touch, Premier Power and Premier Control strings for a playtest. Each playtester will only receive one of these strings.

IMPORTANT: We are not taking requests for which string you will receive, nor are we taking gauge requests.

This playtest is only for U.S.A Talk Tennis members.

WE ARE NO LONGER TAKING REQUESTS FOR THIS PLAYTEST.

Email Subject: Prince Multi Playtest

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We select playtesters based on a number of factors

If selected, we require that you post your findings in this thread by 11/20.

In the past we have set up separate threads for each different string, but we are trying a new format for this one to see if a more lively discussion results from having them all discussed in one place.

If you do not post a review, or if your review is clearly lacking effort, you will be excluded from future playtests.

** No hybrids **

Include the following in your review:

Which Prince multi did you receive
Gauge
Color
Tension used for playtest
Regular string set up
Racquet brand and model used for test
Power of test string
Feel
Spin
Comfort
Durability
Playability Duration (share thoughts on if/how the playability changed over time)
Control (predictable trajectory? performance on different strokes and swing speeds?)
Compare to the string you use most often
Tension recommendations (after hitting it, would you recommend a different tension? Why?)

Hi, I'm new to Talk Tennis, and I'm wondering how playtesters are selected for play tests? I sent my email, so hopefully I get selected

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lightning_sonic320,

Playtesters are picked based on several factors depending on the playtest. Playtests for racquets and shoes are a little more selective and playtesters are selected based on factors including experience, participation on message board, quality of posts related to playtest product, and previous playtest reviews. With string playtests, we try to get a mix of playtesters and it is more like a lottery process. Other playtests are first come, first served.

Gauge 16.1.29mm
Color...natural
Tension used for play test 63lbs\ 28.0 kg electronic constant pull machine
Minor coil memory, manual pre-stretch
no installation problems 42 ft set
Regular string set up 1.20 poly / 1.27 ZX mono wheat
Racquet PRINCE Speedport Gold 110
After 3 hours of play < 2 outdoor red clay, 1 indoor hard>
Power of test string .....High
Feel .................... better than Recoil
Spin .................... average for a multi, less than my ZX full bed
Comfort................ Like butter on a stack of pancakes,
Durability .............. average
Playability Duration after ten hours total playing time the string was notched to the point it needed to be cut out. This is better than most multis in my Grandpa stick
Control The string offered no surprises, plenty of pop, a drop off in spin afte ~6 hours
Compare to the string you use most often..... If I needed a soft string for matches, this would be on my list. I do not feed 20+ hours/week but if I did this string would get a try. It might work best for a player using my style of frame as a cross to soften up a thin poly string bed
Tension recommendations (after hitting) I could take it up a kilo, (2lbs)
I have a Speedport with Recoil and one strung ZX monogut for feeding which covers most of my full beds of non poly hitting time with my Speedports. So they are the comfort strings I have the most experience with in my framexs.
Thank you TW & Prince for the chancde to playtest this string.

Which Prince multi did you receive: Prince Preimer PowerGauge:18Color:NaturalTension used for playtest: 62 ibsRegular string set up Pro's Pro Vendetta @ 60ibsRacquet brand and model used for test Dunlop AeroGel 200 tourPower of test string: as the package names said, it does provide plenty of power. even with a high tension, it still powerful. it took me an adjustment to tame the power. but once i get used to it, my balls started landning deep and with pace.Feel comparing to my current setup, these are fairly soft and easy on the arm. it doesnt have the mushy feeling and has fair amount of crispness.Spin i had a diffcult time creating spin with these strings. i feel the ball was sinking into the stringbed, but it didnt provide enough spin and i usually play it. I had to work extra harder to get the ball and the same spin as my current setup.Comfort: these are fairly comfortable. never experience any arm pain when hitting it when it came out from the machine, and while hitting it after hours of hitting.Durability this string broke in the 4th hour of hittingPlayability Duration (share thoughts on if/how the playability changed over time) I liked the string when it came out of the machine. I felt dialed in with all my shots after the break-in. i got that confidence that i can take my big stroke and wreck the ball with tons of power and pace. However, in the second day, it changed. my shots are going out and i have to change my strokes to get my shots into the court. I could be my bad day in tennis, but i felt that it changed in performance after 2~3 hrs. Control (predictable trajectory? performance on different strokes and swing speeds?) I was suprised when coming in to this playtest. i thought these strings is gonna be like natrual gut in the power level, but the control was there. i can easily place my shots anywhere in the court like my current setup. With that, my hitting partner said that i can place my shots well with this string. This could be because of the feel of the string that gives me that confidence to place the ball anywhere I want. Compare to the string you use most often: I do use a poly, because of the grip that it gives when i shot my flat shots. I dont usually go in the multi, because of the excessive movement of the strings that it gives. But, i can compare this to Wilson Sensation or NXT. Those can be compared in my opinion. Tension recommendations (after hitting it, would you recommend a different tension? Why?) I could have strung it higher to get that same control that my current setup has, but i was fine with 62ibs since it gives control and tame somewhat of it's power that this mutli has.

Thank You TW and Prince for giving me an opportunity for this playtest

I have not had a chance to string it yet but I think my review will be an intersesting one. For starters I have never used anything larger than 17 save for a TW playtest of BHB a few years ago. And I have not hit full multifilament in years either.

THAT BEING SAID... It it getting cooler and a soft multi that maintains control could be just what the doctor ordered. I am sure my volleys and drop shots will love it

Which Prince multi did you receive: Prince Preimer Touch
Gauge:15
Color:ClearTension used for playtest: 55Regular string set up: 4g mains/gosen crosses 54/56Racquet brand and model used for test: Youtek Radical MP 18x20Power of test string: The power was there for sure. It was much more powerful than any full poly or full synthetic set up. I had absolutely no trouble putting away flat shots to either wing. The pocketing on this was insane, even though it was 15L 8/10Spin: You have to comeinto this knowing that you will not get as much spin as a full ed of RPM... duh. That being said, for my first all multi job in a while it had more than enough spin to keep my shots in. I would complare my strokes to murray, i can hit spin but I do not go bonkers like Rafa. So it was good enough for that type of game so that is that. 7/10Comfort:No pain in shoulder or elbow even though I have had issues in the past. Not buttery like TGV, but for this crispness I got from it, it was more than comfy enough. 10/10Durability: I see some wear after 2 matches (4 sets) but no breakage. The more spin you play with the quicker these will break... period. If you are not a string breaker then I do not think these will give you issues. 7/10Playability Duration: 1/2 hour break in, as is the usual. Then for the whole 2 matches I did not see a drop in playability at any significant level. The strings moved more the second match, but so far as I could tell the power and spin were still there. 8/10Control: My game is not predicated on control per say, but I do like it when I can point and shoot and It wont fly on me. For how much power I got with this string I was having a hard time hitting these balls out! The slices stayed low and the volleys punched. These are things I'd expect from a multi and it delivered. First serves stayed in too. Drop shots were a bit tough which makes me sad, but I am chalking that up to foot work if I am being honest. The string has delivered in all other ways so I dont see why I would not be able to hit a decent drop shot with this Multi. 9/10Compare to the string you use most often: I use a poly hybrid and I think that this would make a great cross for any poly when a player does not want too much power or softness. I would compare it to a good synthetic that has a bit more pocket and holds tension much better. Like a better Sensation that does not turn to mush in 1 hour.Tension recommendations If you are using an 18x20, id go thinner gauge and go mid 50s. It is perfect in that zone. If you MUST use 15g.... then go a bit lower like 52 or so. That is my 2 cents!

As usual TW is the bomb and prince has done a good job with the new strings so far as i can tell. THANK YOU TW! It will be interesting to see where this falls in price range.

EDIT: It would seem that the pricing will be as follows (or near to it)

I received Prince Premier Power 16. Will set up a date soon to hit the courts at my club! I will also post how the stringing went on my Klippermate. Cheers! And thank you Tennis Warehouse for letting me do another play test!

Power of test string: This string definitely does provide plenty of power.
I string at a relatively high tension so I don't get as much power but with this string the power came right till the end. The power was only effective when I got the ball deep otherwise it was useless.

Feel: For a person with arm problems I thought this string felt very good. I had no issues serving or overheads which are usually the two things that hurt my arm. It had a very soft feel.

Spin: I play with a textured string usually so this string really did not help with the spin. I really had to create/put a lot of extra spin on to control the power.

Comfort: Like I said in feel these strings are fairly comfortable. I never experienced any arm/elbow pain when hitting.

Durability: Broke within 6 hours of practice. Not the worst durability bc I break strings alot but not the best.

Playability Duration (share thoughts on if/how the playability changed over time): To me the power did wear out a little towards the end right before the string broke. It became kind of "dead". I am glad it broke soon after this happened.

Control (predictable trajectory? performance on different strokes and swing speeds?):I have a spin based game so the control was not there for these. It was very hard to get spin so that made the control level go down. Slices got a little more spin than topsin shots but not a significant amount.

Compare to the string you use most often: I usually use Prince Topspin Plus. This string gave off more power but less spin which is what I look for in a string. I did get as much durability out of these as the topsin plus if not more.

Tension recommendations: No I strung it at 62 which is high enough bc I do not want to stress the racquet too much.

Power of test string: Slight bump in power as compared to regular string setup at same tension. I prefer low powered strings that can be strung at lower tensions.

Feel: Definitely more feel/feedback than regular setup but not so much as to distract. I prefer more muted feedback.

Spin: Good spin and surprisingly hit much fewer UEs.

Comfort: Good but didn't have the "plow through" comfort compared to regular setup when unloading on the ball. It's still comfortable but not as muted.

Durability: 2+ hours shows wear but no visible signs of fraying.

Playability Duration (share thoughts on if/how the playability changed over time): Felt and hit very good within the 1st 30 minutes then loosened up a bit. Continued to play well for the duration but strings needed straightening at times.

Control (predictable trajectory? performance on different strokes and swing speeds?): Well this is where the string impressed. When hitting topspin ground strokes, the ball trajectory is lower but still lands deep. Regular setup produces a more symmetrical arc whereas test string makes a lower steady climbing arc that abruptly drops. Uber-sharp angled cross court ground strokes were ridiculously good. Slices stayed low and appeared to skid much more so than regular setup. Touch shots were equally impressive. Over all control is outstanding.

Compare to the string you use most often: I prefer a more muted and stiffer string setup but can't argue with the control PPC17 offers. In an attempt to achieve the desired, would hybrid this with a stiffer main be it syngut or my fave WC Black5Edge.

Tension recommendations (after hitting it, would you recommend a different tension? Why?): Maybe up the tension 2 lbs for curiosity's sake.

Which Prince multi did you receive: Premier Control Black 15L (1.35) PPC15L

Tension used for playtest: Strung on drop weight at 56. Strightforward to string. Racquet Tune = 58.3 immediately after stringing (!). Played next day for 3.5 hours and measured 54.5 afterwards. Played again 3 days later and measured 53.4 afterwards. After 7.5 hours=52.

Regular string set up: Prefer Pacific Classic Gut 16-17 Gauge. Also use PPA17G (Prince premier attack) currently. PPC is the same string as PPA (with a new name), so I can compare it as I have used both in same frame.

Feel: Medium. Less feel than PPA. Fairly stiff for a multi due to thicker gauge.

Spin: Very good for a multifilament-type string. Produces a heavy consistent topspin groundstroke.

Comfort: Good. Not as soft as PPA17G, but not uncomfortable by any means. It does feel stiff initially but softens somewhat after only about an hour. Even as it drops to low 50s remains stiff for a multi (due to thicker gauge). I intended to string at 56 since it is a thicker gauge than I usually play and is a “control” string. I usually string my multis at 60. Somehow I managed to string it a tad tight.

Durability: So far so good...no signs of wear after 7.5 hours. I am not a string breaker. Since its a thick gauge in an 18/20 frame it should last as long as I want it to.

Playability Duration (share thoughts on if/how the playability changed over time): Settled nicely at around 55 after the initial hour. How will it play as it loosens? Consistent so far, no drop in playability at 52 lbs and 7.5 hours of use.

Control (predictable trajectory? performance on different strokes and swing speeds?):
Overall very good, especially for topspin hitters.

Groundstrokes: heavy or moderate topspin shots perform well. Nice pace and spin and much more comfortable than a poly string. Good pocketing. I think the 17 gauge gives more rpms but this 15L string seems to produce good spin and heavier groundstrokes.

Flat shots: not as dependable. A little erratic. Can feel the strings squirm on occasional flat shots with unpredictable trajectory.

Touch shots: acceptable but not the best feel for drop shots.

Volleys: Good. Thick strings in a tight pattern makes for a stable surface, good for absorbing pace.

Serve: Very good. Can direct it well and hit hard, relying on topspin kick to keep it in.

Returns: Slice blocking shots are a little erratic (but then so is my technique).

Compare to the string you use most often:
In summary, it has less power and feel than PPA17G. It makes a heavier ball, perhaps because I am swinger harder. It is less comfortable. Compared to a poly it is much more comfortable. I don’t hit with polys much but I would suggest this for anyone using poly who has issues with comfort but wants a deader stringbed than a 17G multi would produce. It seems more similar to Head Rip Control 17G than to PPA 17G, as a control oriented multifilament (having a more lively feel and more pop than RIPC).

In order of increasing power and feel: Poly < RIPC17G < PPC 15L < PPA17G

Tension recommendations (after hitting it, would you recommend a different tension? Why?): Well the first hour it felt a little stiff so I could start a couple pounds lower.

Thanks to TW for picking me to demo this string. I am a 3.5 all-court player -- 3.5 on a good day

Which Prince multi did you receive : Prince Premier Touch Gauge : 17GColor : ClearTension used for playtest : 56lbRegular string set up : Nothing has been used regularly recently, but the previous stringjob was Lux. 4G Rough.Racquet brand and model used for test : Head Youtek Prestige ProPower of test string : There was a lot of power with this string. but it was easy to adjust to. 5/5Feel : Feel was great. Mushy clean shots. Love the "mushy" type of pop which was exactly what this string offered. All around the racquet was pretty much great to hit with. 5/5Spin : My kickserves were going insane. More spin than usual Multis. I dont really have much more to ask for for this category. 5/5Comfort : Comfort was perfect. Felt nice to hit with. No problems, no pain. 5/5Durability : Only played with it for about 3 hours. Its starting to move around a tad but its still pretty straight unlike other multis, I.E, Tecnifibre X-1 Biphase.. It didnt break on me so i cant give much input about this. 4/5Playability Duration (share thoughts on if/how the playability changed over time) : Played well after hitting with it for about 30 minutes. Maybe its because i used a poly before. 4/5Control (predictable trajectory? performance on different strokes and swing speeds?) : Control was excellent. Most shots that i hit that went out were by my error, not the string. 5/5Compare to the string you use most often Most often would be BHB7. I don't really know how to compare this string to a poly. Prince Premier Touch was definitely more my type of string than BHB7. One thing i noticed while feeling and stringing the string was that it slightly resembled a poly. Slightly slick surface. I dont mind extra spin from a multi .. BHB7 gave off really crisp shots. I love the mushy pop much more though.Tension recommendations (after hitting it, would you recommend a different tension? Why?) : I would not change the tension one bit. This string was outstanding at the tension i set it to. I wouldnt want to risk changing anything.

Props to Prince for making one hell of a string! Thanks TW also for this playtest! Hopefully i see this on TW to order a couple sets.. Hoping the cost isnt too high either..

Feel: This string has decent good feel. However, I like Technifibre NRG and Gamma Professional 17 then Prince Premier Control. I was just playing Prince Attack 17(mai) hybrid with a poly cross and this string has the same feel as Prince attack.

Spin: Reasonable just like any other Multi. I don't feel it gives more or less with my western grip.
Comfort: very comfortable. However, I think it ranks behind NGR or Gamma Pro but those are more expensive string.

Durability: I played about 2 sets on it tonight and I don't see knots yet. I normally would break Multi within 2 weeks if I play twice a week. I think this one will last at least 2 weeks if rain does not show up in California for the next 2 weeks.

Playability Duration: I have just recently been playing with Premiere Attack 17. This string has a lot of similarity with the Prince attack after about 2 sets tonight. During the 2 sets, the playability does not change much and very predictable. If it keeps playing like Prince attack, it should stay pretty much that way until breakage.

Control : This string has pretty good control. I can pretty much hit down the line, cross court or slice and the ball actually landed where I was expecting.

Compare to the string you use most often: I play mostly hybrid(Poly main Syn gut cross) so wouldn't be fair to compare to poly hybrid. However, I had play with a lot of multi and gut before switched to hybrid. I would rank this string behind NRG & Gamma Prof. However, those 2 strings are more expensive.

Tension recommendations: If I were to get a reel of this string, I would keep it at 60lbs or may be experiment slightly even higher tension like 62lbs.

A little higher than i wanted it to be but i guess i can only dream right? haha. For the way it plays, i think its well worth $18. I just dont want to go around spending $18 all the time..

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I got the 15l version of the touch and wow I am amazed. I play full poly, yet am still able to get great control (maybe due to stringing higher) but I think if you get these they play great and will last much longer and making it worth 18. I am so impressed with the touch of these strings. I've been using my serve and volley game way more.

I got the 15l version of the touch and wow I am amazed. I play full poly, yet am still able to get great control (maybe due to stringing higher) but I think if you get these they play great and will last much longer and making it worth 18. I am so impressed with the touch of these strings. I've been using my serve and volley game way more.

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I've hit with the 17g, which I really liked. It's a very interesting string.

I current have 16g in the crosses in one of my racquets (with Prince Tour XT in the mains). So far, it's playing great and holding up well.

I received 15L for this playtest, so I'm curious to see if I liked the thicker gauge as much as I liked the 17g.

Which Prince multi did you receive: Prince Premier TouchGauge 17Color transparentTension used for playtest 63 lbsRegular string set up full poly, one-piece @ 48 lbsRacquet brand and model used for test: Wilson Steam 105SPower of test string: Average power for a multiFeel I thought the feel was excellent and above average for the strings I've used.Spin: Spin was above average for a multi. Being a poly guy, I'm used to more spin, but I was surprised at the level I was able to obtain with this stringComfort: Below average for a multi. This string seems fairly stiff for a multi Not as good a NXT.Durability: average. I broke it in 4 hours of hitting and playing. In fairness, I break 16 gauge poly in this Wilson Steam string breaking machine, so breaking this 17 gauge multi was quite expected.Playability Duration: After an hour of play, the string moved around quite a bit, but it did not seem to affect play. I saw very little difference in playability from freshly strung to when it broke.Control: Control was above average for a multi. I was able to get good spin and placement on serves. On my groundstrokes I felt like I had good control also.Compare to the string you use most often: I normally use a full bed of Yonex Ploy Tour Pro 16. I use this string because of the compromise between spin, power, and durability on my Wilson Steams. The Prince Premier Touch does not offer near the spin or durability of the poly, but has more comfort and power.Tension recommendations: 63 lbs seems to work well with this string. I wouldn't change it if I used it again. I definitely could tell it lost a little tension during the playtest, but I adapted to it, and wouldn't recommend changing it.

Stringing: (I added this section because I thought it was noteworthy) I found the string frustrating to string because it had so much coil memory. I strung a one-piece pattern, and the long side kinked and tangled between almost every pull. I've never had this much kinking and tangling with any other string I've used in the last 8 years or so.

The string color was transparent. I think the color is as transparent as any string I've seen. I was looking forward to having transparent string in my racquet as I thought it would look "cool". However, during stringing, every place the string was either clamped or pulled it turned opaque in that spot. This resulted in a string job that didn't quite have the visual look I was expecting because of the opaque area all over the transparent string bed.